A Hollywood mansion in the Dubai desert

Want to rub shoulders with the elite and live in the Beverly Hills of Dubai? Then this five bedroom mansion in the upmarket Emirates Hills gated community could be for you.

The imposing natural stone residence with its swimming pool and large balconies would certainly not look out of place among the leafy streets and manicured lawns of the once-popular US television series 90210.

But with a price tag set at an eye-watering Dh45 million, perhaps only those with a Hollywood budget need apply.

Despite being one of Dubai’s most prestigious and expensive gated communities, you may not find the plethora of stars living in Emirates Hills that you would in its Californian namesake.

But with past residents including the late Benazir Bhutto, you can be sure this is where the cream of expatriate society comes home to every night.

Built in 2002 by the Dubai developer Emaar as the emirate’s answer to Beverly Hills and Dubai’s first freehold project, Emirates Hills was sold off as plots rather than completed houses, allowing each buyer to come up with their own particular style.

This villa spans a generous 13,000 square feet on a plot of 18,795 sq ft. And it is located next to a lake and with trickling fountains outside. If you squint a little you can almost believe yourself to be on a tour of the stars’ homes on your approach.

Inside, the house has been designed to accommodate the taste of a Hollywood star, with enough plump sofas and crystal chandeliers to even keep the American entertainer Liberace happy.

A grand double height entrance hallway opens out to a large, open-plan living space, while there is a more casual lounge to the side – complete with pool table.

Sliding doors open to a decked terrace, an infinity swimming pool and a large lawn.

The rooms upstairs contain plenty of cupboard space to contain the largest of shoe collections, and there are full-sized walk-in dressing rooms.

The house includes quarters for two members of staff.

It’s a similar story out front, with a driveway that can accommodate parking for at least five cars.

Q&A

Leigh Borg, a broker at the Belleview Real Estate agency, tells Lucy Barnard about the demand for high-end properties in Dubai’s Emirates Hills:

What is happening to property prices in Dubai?

According to the latest Reidin figures, average property prices in Dubai fell 9.9 per cent between August last year and August this year.

Is Emirates Hills affected by the slump?

The figures indicate that the luxury, high end of the Dubai property market in Emirates Hills appears to be immune from softening property prices in other areas Dubai.

Really?

According to Reidin figures, average property sale prices for Emirates Hills this year have remained stable in comparison to last year’s sales figures. Emirates Hills villa sales in the more than Dh20 million price bracket have averaged at between Dh2,000 to Dh3,000 per square foot during both years.

Who would this house suit?

It’s ideal for a large family: in Emirates Hills there are very few modern-design villas, and they rarely come on to the market.

Tell me more about the design?

This villa has been designed around the Vastu method – a traditional Hindu system of architecture that sets out principles for design, layout, measurements, ground preparation, space arrangements and spatial geometry, incorporating Hindu and in some cases Buddhist beliefs. They are intended to integrate architecture with nature, the relative functions of various parts of the structure and ancient beliefs.